It is not the first attempt on his life -indeed, five years ago he appeared to be at the mercy of a rebellion and saved the day only by seizing a Bren gun from a sentry and shooting his way to freedom. The conspiracy collapsed, and two of his brothers were subsequently executed in public.
Whatever accusations may be made against the Imam, nobody has questioned his courage. But with courage goes extreme ruthlessness. It is said that when the Imam was Crown Price and Governor-General of southern Yemen, his father, the Imam Yahya (himself not noted for clemency) used to send telegrams rebuking him for his severity.
The Imam Ahmad's physical presence inspires fire as well as respect. So does his absence, for when two years ago he went to Rome for a medical cure local authorities are reported to have been able to check incipient revolts by waving a piece of paper in the air and proclaiming that it was a telegram announcing his imminent return.
The fear which he inspires has spiritual as well as temporal origins, for he is a direct descendant of the Prophet, and leader of the Zeidi sect of Shias. His dynasty has controlled the Yemen highlands since the ninth century.
article in The Times of London April 1,1961 reprinted online April 01, 2003
